Today, we want to discuss three ways to reject lust. While these three points equally can be applied to every form of temptation, we will focus primarily on overcoming lust.

“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.” – James 1:13-16

Isn’t it interesting, when we make a covenant with the Lord, that is when the enemies bring temptations our way. 

The enemy always tempts us with pleasure to distract us from our purpose. Share on X

Our temptations come from our desires. They are not random, temptations are formed from the things we like, not from the things we don’t like. The enemy will not serve you a dish that you do not have an appetite for. Satan sits back and waits for the most opportune time to lure us. The word lure in Hebrew means to find an opening. The devil waits for an opening then sends a lure our way.  

Don’t bite the bait!

When we give into our desires it births into sin. Then, sin destroys us. This is the goal of lust.  

The callings on your life are far greater than the craving right before you. We are called and we need to protect our purity and relationships in our lives.

1. Reject Lust by Setting Clear Boundaries

“She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.” – Genesis 39:10-12 NLT

Refusal starts in the mind. When temptations come, you must have a refusal mindset. Don’t entertain it, refuse it.

Don’t put yourself in a position to be tempted. Recognize the traps in your life and stay away.  Stay out of the way of temptation.

Lust is here to entertain us and then to enslave us. Lust is here to please us and then to destroy us. Lust is here to thrill you, and then it kills you. Share on X

You must flee from temptation. When temptation occurs don’t reason with it, run from it.

“When you dig a well, you might fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake.” – Ecclesiastes 10:8 (NLT)

During the Bible times, wall or boundaries were built around cities for protection. These walls were made from stones that were meant for the enemy not to cross. Snakes would slither into the opening between the rocks in the wall. If you demolish your wall, you could be bitten by a snake (Satan) with in. Create walls or boundaries in your life and don’t compromise them.  

Our identity must be in Christ and He loves you. Once your identity is in Christ build these boundaries. Only through Christ can your boundaries be rebuilt; it’s never too late.

2. Reject Lust by Protecting Your Eyes

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” – Job 31:1 (NIV)  

Temptations are all around us, but that doesn’t mean temptation needs to get in us.  Don’t let your pride get the best of you. It’s too easy to think, I have this or maybe just this once then our pride takes over, then you bite at that lure. Protect your eyes.

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” – Psalm 101:3 (NAS)

Worthless things are something that pushes you way from God.  

*We are called to have covenant eyes not compromised eyes. Share on X

These are eyes that are pure, eyes that are holy, eyes that honor God.

3. Reject Lust by Seeking God Daily

“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.” – Psalm 119:9 (NLT)

Obeying the word is key. If you don’t know the Word, how can you obey it? Daily reading of God’s Word will set you up for success against lust. A person can stay pure by obeying the Word. The way to obey the Word starts with knowing the Word by reading it. We can flee temptation only in the presence of God. Only in a close relationship with God can we have the power to flee and overcome temptation.

Watch The Full Sermon Here: